In ancient days scholars wore a sprig in their hair. In modern days we’ve added this herb to oils, lotions, foods, and more.

If you haven’t heard the saying “He or she would forget their head if it wasn’t tied on.” then maybe you cannot relate to the problem of forgetfulness. Long ago my first husband came home one day from visiting friends and told me all excited “you will not believe who I saw!” His face was all excited, and at this point I am wondering who he saw, so I ask “Who?” His face quickly changed from excited to puzzled as he said “Oh you know, what’s his name.” I’m thinking if you weren’t going to tell me in the first place, then why even bring it up! But who isn’t guilty of forgetting?

In psychology class we may have been informed that we never forget, just repress, or have so many other things on our mind that we are unable to recall at that moment so we require triggers to jar our memory.

Thousands of years ago people used Rosemary to aid in remembering. Sprigs of rosemary were placed in the hair of students while studying for exams. And still today research is showing that rosemary has the ability to aid in memory.

Rosemary Aids in Alzheimer’s Prevention

Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis contains rosmarinic acid among a dozen or so other antioxidants reported to prevent the break down of acetylcholine. Although, according to James A. Duke, PhD. We are not certain whether the acetylcholine deficiency results from Alzheimer’s or is caused by Alzheimer’s, we know that acetylcholine is a brain chemical or neurotransmitter playing “a key role in cognition and reasoning.”Therefore it would stand to reason that anything that would aid in the prevention of the chemical breakdown of acetylcholine, while boosting the choline to preserve brain tissues would be desired.

Use it Topically

The extremely versatile rosemary can be eaten, inhaled, added to bath water, oils, lotions and shampoos, brewed as a tea, used as a preservative for meats, and to season meats prior to grilling. It contains many antioxidants and mops up free radicals. Several of the compounds found in rosemary are responsible for retarding the breakdown of acetylcholine and can enter the blood stream through the skin and aid the body’s defenses.

Great info, thanks. We use Rosemary and lavender fresh sprigs in the car, it is great as an airfreshner, keeps you alert and calm. My dad has Atlzheimers and we noticed when he came to Cyprus he kept smelling the Rosemary, maybe he finds it helps him. I am a fan of Rosemary so this article was an interesting find.

It’s interesting how many medicinal benefits Rosemary really has. The article really sums up just how useful this herb is. I’m a Herbalist with a broad knowledge of medicinal plants, yet I’ve somehow overlooked the potential of Rosemary until very recently. The herb has always been a favorite of mine for it’s culinary and aromatic properties, but now I am discovering a myriad of other uses. Consuming Rosemary regularly for all it’s potential health benefits (such like those metioned in the article) may well be a very smart thing to do (I take it in tea and capsule form and consume it fresh it in generous amounts in food. I also use Rosemary oil in a diffuser to scent the air!)

A good read while i drink my rosemary tea, thanks,…… i suffer from migraines from time to time and i stumbled on rosemary in my desperation to find something to help me to relax…., actually i find it helps me to sleep easier, plus it tastes great.

Curious, thanks so much for your support. I love herbals and natural remedies. This is one of many which has caught my attention. You can find more on my website Seeds4thoughts.com/. I like melatonin, chamomile and catnip to relax at night